Dave

Catch the summer vibes: JetBlue unveils Watch Parties and exciting onboard features

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JetBlue is set to usher in the summer season with a wave of new features and enhancements to its onboard experience.

From delectable snacks to entertainment options and personalised inflight experiences, the airline is gearing up to make your summer journeys even more enjoyable.

Beginning this May, JetBlue is introducing a range of new complimentary snacks, menu changes in its Mint and core experiences, additional entertainment options, and enhanced personalisation capabilities through Blueprint by JetBlue™.

One of the highlights of JetBlue’s summer offerings is the introduction of new complimentary snacks, catering to both sweet and savory preferences. Starting 1 May, travellers can indulge in Partake’s Classic Grahams, a simply sweet snack crafted with high-quality ingredients. Certified gluten-free, vegan, and free from the top nine allergens, these snacks provide an inclusive option for travelers with various dietary restrictions.

In June, savory enthusiasts can enjoy Safe+Fair®’s Everything Bagel Pretzels, lightly dusted with a signature top nine allergen-free onion and garlic spice blend.

JetBlue, known as New York’s Hometown Airline, is proud to welcome another New York-based brand, ALB® Vodka, to its roster of liquor options. Made from 100% American corn and gluten-free, this premium spirit reflects the energy of New York with its Upstate water and quadruple charcoal filtration.

Additionally, JetBlue is introducing new mixer options from Owen’s Craft Mixers, offering passengers the chance to craft their own refreshing cocktails at 30,000 feet.

Summer brings a burst of culinary delights onboard, with NYC-based restaurant Legacy Records serving up an array of mouthwatering dishes in Mint.

From strawberries drizzled in black pepper syrup to flat iron steak with roasted fennel, customers can savour a taste of summer at cruising altitude.

DIG is also adding seasonal farm-to-tray table dishes to JetBlue’s core experience, ensuring passengers enjoy fresh and satisfying meals throughout their journey.

Inflight entertainment gets an upgrade with the introduction of Blueprint by JetBlue. This personalised inflight experience platform offers customers more customisability, from planning their journey to arriving at their destination.

With features like watch parties and the ability to pick up where you left off, passengers can enjoy their favourite movies and TV shows seamlessly.

Movie buffs will rejoice with JetBlue’s new inflight ‘A24 Collection’, featuring award-winning films from global entertainment studio A24.

From captivating dramas to side-splitting comedies, there’s something for every cinephile to enjoy.

Additionally, JetBlue is set to launch a dedicated channel of the internet’s hottest interview show ‘Hot Ones’, providing passengers with exclusive entertainment at 30,000 feet.

To celebrate its upcoming seasonal service to Edinburgh, JetBlue is offering a curated selection of Scottish films and TV shows, including popular titles like Skyfall and Brave.

Passengers can immerse themselves in Scottish culture while enjoying the comfort of their seatback entertainment screens.

As summer approaches, JetBlue is committed to providing passengers with an exceptional travel experience. From delectable snacks to immersive entertainment options, the airline is dedicated to making your journey as enjoyable as possible.

For further details or to book your next flight, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

SkyTeam and SAS Forge Alliance: enhanced benefits for EuroBonus members

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In a significant development for the aviation industry, SkyTeam and SAS, the flag carrier of Scandinavia, have officially inked an Alliance Adherence Agreement, paving the way for SAS to join SkyTeam on 1 September 2024.

This landmark agreement signifies a pivotal moment in the global airline alliance landscape, as SAS prepares to integrate seamlessly into SkyTeam, enriching the alliance with enhanced access to Scandinavian key hubs and bolstering its global network.

Andrés Conesa, SkyTeam Chairman, expressed the shared vision between SkyTeam and SAS, stating,

SAS shares SkyTeam’s vision when it comes to delivering a more integrated and responsible travel experience. Together with our members, we continue to work hard behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition for customers from the moment SAS joins our alliance.

Sky High: SAS CEO Anko van der Werff (left) celebrates with his SkyTeam counterpart Patrick Roux

Under this alliance, SAS customers are poised to reap numerous benefits. They can anticipate a more seamless travel experience with enhanced connectivity across SkyTeam’s extensive network of 1,060+ destinations. Notably, this collaboration opens up travel options to several previously unserved destinations across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, offering SAS customers a broader spectrum of travel opportunities.

Furthermore, EuroBonus members stand to gain significantly from this alliance. Upon SAS’ integration into SkyTeam, EuroBonus Silver members will be recognised as SkyTeam Elite, while Gold and Diamond members will enjoy Elite Plus status. This translates to access to a network of 750+ airport lounges and SkyPriority services at eight key airport touchpoints, including priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.

Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for SAS joining the alliance, stating,

We are delighted to officially chart a path to SAS joining the SkyTeam alliance. With its global reputation for reliability, quality and service, SAS is a great fit for SkyTeam and, as we continue to strengthen our customer proposition, we look forward to being part of their future journey.

Anko van der Werff, SAS President and CEO, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the exciting prospects this alliance brings for customers, partners and employees alike.

He remarked,

EuroBonus members will be able to enjoy new destinations and benefits as part of the SkyTeam alliance family, marking the start of an exciting future for customers, partners and employees alike. SAS customers will benefit from SkyTeam’s strong global presence in many of the world’s major aviation hubs and from its focus on strategic partnerships and innovative sustainability initiatives.

As SAS embarks on this new chapter in its alliance journey, it continues to strengthen its ties with key SkyTeam members serving its hubs, including Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Middle East Airlines.

Flag carriers: SAS, Scandinavia’s leading airline, with main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, flies to destinations in Europe, USA and Asia

For further information about how this alliance impacts your business travel with SAS, reach out to your Global Travel Management Account Manager, who will be happy to provide you with detailed insights and assistance tailored to your travel needs.

Dave

Charting a greener future: Marriott’s path to net-zero emissions

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Marriott International, the global hospitality giant, has taken a monumental step forward in its commitment to sustainability by verifying its near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the esteemed Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

As a frontrunner in the hospitality sector, Marriott is proud to announce its status as the largest global hospitality company to secure approval for both near-term and long-term science-based targets.

The initiative underscores Marriott’s dedication to mitigating its environmental footprint and contributing to global climate action efforts. The company has pledged to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an impressive 46.2% by 2030, relative to a 2019 base year. Additionally, Marriott commits to slashing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions, encompassing various facets such as fuel and energy-related activities, waste generated in operations, employee commuting, and franchises, by 27.5% by 2030, also from a 2019 base year. Furthermore, by 2028, Marriott aims for 22% of its suppliers by emissions, covering purchased goods and services, capital goods, and upstream transportation and distribution, to adopt science-based targets.

Targeted action: to reach its net-zero targets, Marriott is focusing its efforts in three distinct areas

Looking towards the horizon, Marriott has set its sights on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050. This ambitious goal entails reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% and absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050, both relative to a 2019 base year. Notably, the target boundary extends to include land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, expressed the company’s profound commitment to environmental stewardship, stating,

For nearly a century, Marriott has been committed to our core value of serving our world as we strive to be a force for good wherever we do business. The impact of climate change is being seen and felt across the globe. As we continue to connect people through the power of travel, we are committed to driving meaningful improvements to the environment and are energized by reaching this significant milestone.

Erika Alexander, Chief Global Operations Officer at Marriott International, emphasized the importance of collective action in combating climate change:

Marriott has been on a journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our operations and supply chain. We believe it’s good business and good for the planet.

To realise its net-zero target, Marriott is honing in on three key areas: energy reduction, sourcing more energy from renewables, and purchasing goods with lower carbon footprints across its extensive portfolio of over 8,800 properties spanning 139 countries and territories.

Marriott’s recent sustainability initiatives underscore its proactive approach towards environmental responsibility.

The Climate Action Program (CAP) exemplifies the company’s commitment to embedding sustainability throughout its operations. Furthermore, Marriott is empowering its properties to embrace sustainability through initiatives such as the Energy Optimization Program and the Marriott Environment Sustainability Hub.

Marriott’s sustainability strategy encompasses a diverse array of tactics, including resource-efficient hotel design, technology adoption to track and reduce energy and water consumption, increasing renewable energy usage, and responsible sourcing practices. The company’s Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction platform epitomises its dedication to making a positive and sustainable impact on society, the environment, and the economy.

Marriott International’s pioneering efforts in setting science-based emissions reduction targets reaffirm its position as a leader in sustainable hospitality. As the company continues its climate action journey, it invites stakeholders to join hands in fostering a greener, more resilient future.

For further information on Marriott and to book hotel accommodation worldwide, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

New horizons: Lufthansa City Airlines begins journey with Munich-Birmingham route

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Lufthansa City Airlines, the latest addition to the Lufthansa Group, is set to take flight on 26 June, 2024, marking its debut with a maiden voyage from Munich to Birmingham.

This exciting development comes after the announcement that ticket sales commenced on 24 April, enabling eager travellers to secure their seats on feeder services for Lufthansa, as well as direct flights connecting Munich with a plethora of destinations.

Beers, bears: Lufthansa City Airlines start their service from beer capital Munich to Birmingham, the home of the Warwickshire Bears in June

The integration of Lufthansa City Airlines into the Lufthansa Group’s feeder network, particularly within the hubs of Frankfurt and Munich, promises seamless connectivity and convenience for passengers. Initially focusing on European and German domestic routes, such as Birmingham, Hanover and Düsseldorf, the airline is poised to expand its footprint across the continent in the near future.

With a forward-thinking approach to fleet expansion, Lufthansa City Airlines is set to soar with a fleet comprising Airbus A320 Family aircraft.

The commitment to sustainability and innovation is underscored by the procurement of 40 state-of-the-art Airbus A220-300 aircraft, along with an additional 20 purchase options, signalling a clear vision for the airline’s growth trajectory.

As the fleet expands, passengers can anticipate the addition of more European destinations to the airline’s network, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility.

Jens Fehlinger, Managing Director Operations of Lufthansa City Airlines, expressed enthusiasm for the future prospects of the airline, stating,

Lufthansa City Airlines is contributing to the future viability of the hubs in Munich and Frankfurt. We are looking forward to new modern Airbus A220 and A320neo deliveries in the coming years. For our guests and employees, we are driving forward our renewal and thus strengthening Lufthansa’s planned growth in long-haul traffic.

Passengers embarking on Lufthansa City Airlines flights can expect the renowned Lufthansa product and service offering, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey on short and medium-haul routes.

For further information or to book your next business trip with Lufthansa City Airlines, please reach out to your dedicated Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Delta and American Express launch exclusive Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card

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Delta and American Express have revealed the latest iteration of the limited-edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, following the immense success of its initial launch in 2022.

Crafted from the retired bodies of two Delta Boeing 747 aircraft, each boasting over 27 years of service, the new limited-edition cards stand out in a cloud-white hue.

What makes these cards truly special is the incorporation of each plane’s illustrious history, including details such as their maiden and final voyages, tail numbers, and the staggering number of miles they’ve flown.

Aircraft History: the first American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card built from a retired Delta 747 was launched in 2022

Available exclusively for both new and existing Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Card Members, these unique cards will be on offer from 25 April to 5 June, 2024, subject to availability.

This unveiling comes hot on the heels of recent enhancements made to the Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards, aimed at enriching the travel experience and offering ongoing value to cardholders, both in-flight and on terra firma.

Prashant Sharma, Vice President of Loyalty at Delta Air Lines, expressed Delta’s commitment to innovation and customer experience, stating,

Each card carries the legacy of countless journeys and embodies the spirit of exploration that drives our customers and all of us at Delta. When combined with the recently upgraded benefits, these cards provide a nod to our storied past and symbolize the elevated experiences our customers can expect in their future travels.

This unveiling marks a continuation of the partnership between Delta and American Express, who first introduced the Boeing Delta 747 Card design in 2022, paying homage to one of aviation’s most iconic aircraft.

The new design, comprised of 33% metal from a retired Delta Boeing 747 plane and finished in glossy white, draws inspiration from the ethereal beauty of clouds.

Jon Gantman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cobrand Product Management at American Express, expressed excitement about reintroducing this popular card design, stating,

We’re bringing back one of our most popular Card designs ever with a new look honoring the ‘Queen of the Skies.’ Given the strong response from customers with our first Card design, we wanted to find another exciting opportunity for aviation enthusiasts and Card Members to have a piece of aviation history in their wallets.

For those eager to get their hands on this piece of aviation history, applications for the limited-edition Reserve card will open to new Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Card Members starting 16 June.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Cards offer an array of premium travel benefits for Delta loyalists, including an enhanced Companion Certificate each year after renewal, an MQD Headstart to aid in achieving Status, miles accelerators, access to exclusive reservations through Global Dining Access by Resy, and more.

As Delta and American Express continue to redefine the travel experience, these limited-edition cards serve as a tangible reminder of the rich history and innovation that define both brands.

For further information about the Delta flights and to make bookings on Delta Air Lines, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

From farm to First Class: LNER’s new menus spotlight local producers

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LNER, the rail operator, has unveiled its latest First Class menus, reaffirming its longstanding dedication to showcasing and celebrating local food and drink producers along its extensive route.

Spanning from the picturesque landscapes of Caithness in the Scottish Highlands to the bustling streets of London, LNER’s carefully curated selection of suppliers encompasses destinations across its nearly one-thousand-mile journey.

Producers hailing from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Durham, Northallerton, York, Harrogate, Leeds and Stevenage have been handpicked for not only the exceptional quality of their offerings but also their conscientious approach to production.

First Class: the Dine menu, selected from local producers the length of LNER’s services

The all-new First Class complimentary onboard menus feature an array of tantalising dishes.

Whether passengers opt for Dine, Dish, Deli or Brunch services, they are treated to a diverse culinary experience tailored to their journey.

Embarking on a morning journey? Indulge in a delectable American-style pancake stack, a delightful addition to the renowned ‘Full LNER’ and ‘Full Veggie LNER’ breakfast menus available on Dine services. For a lighter fare, options include Hot Buttery Crumpets or Peach Melba Overnight Oats, featuring a refreshing blend of peach, raspberries, blossom honey, and gluten-free oats soaked in natural yoghurt, available across all four menus.

As the day progresses, passengers can savour a new Homity Pie served with crisp salad on Dine, Dish and Brunch services. Bursting with flavour, this pie boasts a filling of potato, leek, and onion in a creamy sauce, topped with cheddar cheese and accompanied by a crunchy green pea and bean salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette dressing.

For those opting for Dine services, an enticing fish dish awaits – oven-roasted cod served with boulangère potatoes and green beans, followed by a choice of a cheese plate or a refreshing lemon and elderflower dessert.

Starting 15 May, LNER’s Café Bar and ‘Let’s Eat At Your Seat’ service will introduce a range of new sandwiches and beverages, including vegan and gluten-free options, further enhancing the onboard dining experience.

Richard Judge, Head of Customer Experience at LNER, expressed his enthusiasm for the new menus, stating,

We are always excited when we get to launch a new menu, and we believe this is one of our best and most extensive yet. We are proud to work with local producers and suppliers across our route to create a truly wide range of delicious food and drink options onboard our trains, ensuring our customers get the very best experience and service when traveling with us.

For further information on LNER’s First Class fares and services, customers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Choice Hotels and Turkish Airlines forge global partnership for enhanced travel rewards

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Choice Hotels International, a global leader in hospitality, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles frequent flyer programme, bringing an exciting array of new benefits to over 63 million Choice Privileges members worldwide.

Under this innovative partnership, Choice Privileges members now have the opportunity to convert their accumulated points into Miles&Smiles Miles, with a minimum starting point of 5,000 Choice Privileges points to 1,000 Miles, making it easier than ever for frequent travellers to unlock remarkable travel experiences.

Nick Bosworth, the Director of Marketing, Brand, and Loyalty at Choice Hotels EMEA, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating,

Our Choice Privileges program has long been celebrated for providing members with a quick and easy path to earning and utilising points for rewards they truly care about. Today, we are excited to enhance our reward options by introducing Miles&Smiles, offering our members an opportunity to turn their points into unforgettable travel experiences with Turkish Airlines.

This partnership opens up a world of possibilities for frequent flyers, allowing them to redeem their Miles for various benefits, including award tickets on Turkish Airlines and its partner carriers, cabin upgrades, extra baggage allowances and even shopping opportunities through Turkish Airlines’ online platform, “shopandmiles”.

Choice Privileges members can earn points through their stays at over 7,000 participating hotels worldwide, spanning renowned brands such as Cambria, Clarion, Comfort, Quality and many more.

Brand Champion: Nick Bosworth elevating member experiences with Miles&Smiles

With properties located across Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, the Caribbean and Asia, members have ample opportunities to accumulate points and turn their travels into rewarding experiences.

In addition to hotel stays, members in the Americas can also earn points at select Radisson properties, further expanding their earning potential and enhancing the overall value of the Choice Privileges programme.

This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the realm of business travel, offering enhanced flexibility and value to Choice Privileges members as they embark on their journeys around the globe. Whether it’s a business trip or a leisure getaway, travellers can now reap the benefits of this exciting partnership between Choice Hotels and Turkish Airlines.

For further information on how to take advantage of this collaboration and maximise your travel rewards, please reach out to your dedicated Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

British Airways returns to Abu Dhabi skyline, strengthening UK-UAE connections

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British Airways has made a triumphant return to Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone as its aircraft touched down at Zayed International Airport.

Following a hiatus of four years, both customers and crew were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm upon the resumption of this key route on 21 April.

Operating a daily flight from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi year-round, British Airways aims to strengthen connections between the UAE and the UK, catering to the diverse needs of travellers, whether for leisure, business or visiting friends and relatives.

Iconic Carrier: Touching Down in Abu Dhabi

The airline will deploy the Boeing 787-9 aircraft during the summer of 2024, enhancing the travel experience for passengers.

Flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi departs London Heathrow at 22:25, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08:30 the following day. The return flight, BA072, takes off from Abu Dhabi at 10:10, reaching London Heathrow at 15:20.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed her delight, stating,

We extend a warm welcome to British Airways as they start operating at Zayed International Airport with a daily schedule that promises to enrich connectivity and invigorate both business and tourism. Our new award-winning and cutting-edge terminal offers visitors an unparalleled introduction to the vibrant UAE capital, where they will be greeted with Emirati hospitality at its finest.

Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways, shared his excitement, saying,

We are really excited to be celebrating our Abu Dhabi route launch. The new daily flight connects Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and beyond, providing our customers with another amazing destination within our expansive global network and further growing our connections with the UAE. With four cabins to choose from, including First, we are confident customers will enjoy our exceptional and original British Airways service brought to life by our incredible colleagues. And on a personal level, it is an honour to return to the fantastic city and Emirate of Abu Dhabi where I was lucky to live for the best part of a decade.

The resumption of British Airways’ Abu Dhabi route not only signifies enhanced connectivity but also reinforces the airline’s commitment to providing exceptional service to its passengers.

For further information about British Airways’ services and bookings, customers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Eurostar sets the stage for athletes and fans at Paris 2024

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Eurostar, the European high-speed rail service, is primed to play a pivotal role in transporting athletes and enthusiasts to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympics.

With over 415,000 tickets already sold for travel to the Games across its network, Eurostar anticipates welcoming a multitude of passengers, including more than 2,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from esteemed teams such as Team GB, Team Belgium, Team Netherlands and Team Germany.

In preparation for this monumental event, Eurostar is ramping up its services and bolstering its staff presence in stations to ensure customers receive a medal-worthy experience.

The company is even enlisting volunteers from within its ranks to adopt a ‘Games Maker’ style role, reminiscent of the London 2012 Olympics, as travellers embark on their journey to Paris.

On peak Olympic days, up to eight additional services will run between London and Paris compared to the usual timetable, ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers.

To commemorate the countdown to the Games, Eurostar recently welcomed two Team GB athletes to St Pancras International. Among them was Adam Burgess, a qualified Olympian and Great Britain’s first-ever canoe slalom U23 World Champion, alongside Team GB Breaker B-Boy Kid Karam, who is making history as the first to represent Team GB in Breaking, a sport making its Olympic debut at Paris 2024.

Reflecting on the significance of Breaking’s inclusion in the Olympics, Kid Karam remarked,

We’re breaking into the Olympics, quite literally. The sport is something the world hasn’t seen before, it’s a sport without equipment or coaches which means the onus is entirely on you as an athlete.

Beyond providing sustainable transport for athletes and spectators, Eurostar is committed to minimising the carbon footprint of the Games, aspiring to make Paris 2024 the greenest Olympics yet.

Eurostar trains boast a remarkable 95% lower carbon footprint than flying, emitting only 5.5g of CO₂ per passenger kilometre.

Moreover, the company has been lauded by the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good standard for its dedication to serving locally sourced, seasonal ingredients on board.

Commenting on Eurostar’s pivotal role in facilitating travel to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar, expressed her enthusiasm, stating,

As we mark the 100-day countdown to the Olympics, we prepare to welcome spectators to celebrate values and to create memorable experiences. We’re providing the greenest games yet for over 2,000 athletes and their staff. Only Eurostar can deliver this with our extensive network of 5 countries. On the way back, I am sure our trains will be full of gold. Paris 2024 will start before the official opening ceremony on-board Eurostar: we are excited to be the official travel partner not only for one, but four Olympic and Paralympic teams: Team GB, Team Belgium, Team Germany, Team Netherlands.

For further information about travel arrangements to the Paris 2024 Olympics, readers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

From toy guns to blow torches: passengers risk delays as Manchester Airport confiscates hundreds of items of hand luggage a day

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Manchester Airport is urging passengers to familiarise themselves with hand luggage rules following a notable surge in confiscated items.

From scissors to blow torches, the airport security team seized nearly 400 items in just one morning, shedding light on the importance of adhering to regulations.

Among the confiscated items, cigarette lighters topped the list, with 284 lighters surrendered during the morning period. Passengers are reminded that only one lighter per person is permitted, provided it fits into a clear resealable plastic bag and contains less than 100ml of liquid.

Toy gun: one of eight confiscated one morning

Additionally, sharp objects like scissors, multi-tools, corkscrews, and even sets of darts were confiscated due to violations of UK aviation security regulations which prohibit the inclusion of sharp items or blades exceeding 6cm (2.3in) in hand luggage.

The airport security team also intercepted eight toy guns, highlighting the strict regulations against items resembling firearms or those that could be mistaken for such. Furthermore, several liquid items exceeding 100ml were confiscated, including cans of deodorant, large soft drink bottles, and even a bottle of vodka.

Sharp practice: some of the haul of scissors

Graham Matthews, Head of Terminal Security for Terminal 3 at Manchester Airport, emphasised the significance of compliance with regulations to ensure a smooth and efficient security process. Matthews stated,

Each time we have to pull a bag aside for a manual search, it takes several minutes and can slow down the whole security process for everyone.

To expedite security checks and minimise delays, Manchester Airport is in the process of installing new state-of-the-art CT scanners. These scanners will allow passengers to leave large electrical items in their bags and bring full-size containers of liquid through security. However, until the upgrade is complete across the airport, passengers are advised to adhere to existing regulations.

List of items confiscated in one morning:

  • 284 cigarette lighters
  • 22 pairs of scissors
  • 12 cans of deodorant
  • 8 toy guns
  • 8 bullet casings
  • 5 multi-tools
  • 5 blades
  • 4 corkscrews
  • 2 hacksaws
  • 2 sets of darts
  • 2 large drinks bottles
  • 2 blow torches
  • 1 bottle of shower gel
  • 1 hammer
  • 1 one-litre bottle of vodka

Matthews urged travellers to pack liquids in clear plastic containers of 100ml or less, placed in a clear resealable bag.

Additionally, removing large electrical items from bags for separate screening can facilitate a smoother security process, ensuring passengers can proceed to their departure gates promptly.

Torch transgression: passengers were dealt a “blow” when their blow torches were confiscated

As Manchester Airport continues its efforts to enhance security measures, passengers are reminded to acquaint themselves with hand luggage regulations to avoid disruptions and ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

For information on flights to or from Manchester Airport business travellers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Management Account Manager.